As well known VPN is the acronym of Virtual Private Network which can be literally translated as Virtual Private Network.
A VPN, therefore, allows you to connect to a safe “corridor”.from any remote location, while still ensuring high security protocols. These features make this the ideal solution for both big companies who want to protect theirs personal data and both for the most attentive users privacy.
Clearly you can use a VPN with any device, including a PC Linux regardless of the distribution in use.
In this sense, combining the impressive security measures of an open source software to those, precisely of a Virtual Private Network, a guarantee is guaranteed additional level of protection regardless of whether you choose a free VPN or a paid service (which will naturally offer a more complete package of features).
Let’s find out how to configure a VPN on Linux.
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1. Install and configure a VPN via the provider’s app
Install and configure the VPN via the provider’s application chosen for the service, it is the simplest solution to succeed in the undertaking also because the main VPN supply companies (free or paid) already have the various compatible packages ready for each distribution of Linux.
First, therefore, we must go on the supplier’s website and download the package dedicated to your distro.
Once this is done, you need to open the terminal and go to the folder where the program was downloaded and make it executable.
At this point, you can start the installer from the terminal with sudo code ./(name of downloaded file) in case of an extension like .sh o .run or sudo apt install (name of downloaded file) for a .deb.
At the end of the installation all that remains is log in with your credentials of your account and start using your VPS on Linux.
It seems clear that by going through your provider’s official application there will be no need to enter individual settings manually and the procedure will be completely automated.
It is important to remember that these steps above may vary slightly depending on your VPN provider or your Linux distribution.
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2. Install a VPN on Linux with your network manager
Of course, you can also install a VPN on Linux passing from network manager present within the operating system.
It must be remembered, however, that this option can be rather difficult for those who have no affinity with this operating system and, therefore, for beginners the advice is always to use the official app.
To set up a VPN on Linux using the network manager you need open the connection center and click on the sign +.
At this point we must choose your VPN protocol preferred and enter the information sent by the service provider when signing up for the subscription.
Now it’s possible modify the different fields including the name of the connection (although it is advisable to leave that of your provider), the type of connection, the password for access and so on.
Generally also in this case it is appropriate follow the instructions issued by the supplier of the service and enter the data provided without making changes that could negatively influence the performance of the connection.
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3. Main advantages of VPNs
There are many advantages to using one VPN and, as mentioned at the beginning, they are especially appreciated by companies that can benefit from one in this way Secure global connectivity for all users who use it.
Clearly, a VPN is also the ideal solution for private citizens who can be sure of using one secure connection and pay attention to privacy.
I sophisticated cryptographic protocols of this solution guarantee rigid safety systems that eliminate the risk of hacker attackslimit the circulation of spam and they also drastically reduce the possibility that external people have access to personal data passing over the network.
However, going beyond the “simple” discussion of safety, this system also allows you to “get around” geographical limitationsallowing the user to access sites and content that may not be available in their country of residence, such as some videos on streaming platforms, for example.
Furthermore, a VPN network could also guarantee one faster connection speedprecisely because this type of service allows access to the web without limitations, thus offering a smoother and faster connection.
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4. How to choose a VPN service
There are many features to take into consideration when choosing a service for VPN.
Many, for example, opt for one free solution rather than choosing one by subscription. In this case, however, we must think that there will be “limitations” and a completely free service will not be available, because companies will need to cover management costs and could, therefore, use advertisements o magari sell browsing data of users (subject to informative consent) to third parties.
Besides, a free VPN could ensure worse performance e fewer features compared to a paid service.
Another feature that should not be underestimated when choosing such a service is the reliability of the supplier. Not all players in the sector give the same guarantees to their users, especially in terms of Privacy and security.
For this reason it is always better opt for a known supplier which, despite paying a slightly higher price, will guarantee a better service.
Another detail not to be overlooked when choosing a VPN service is the country of origin of the supplier of the service.
It is not uncommon, in fact, for foreign suppliers to have a system different legislation compared to Europe and often less strict when it comes to online privacy.
For this reason it is important to know which country your VPN comes from and, obviously, the regulatory system to which it refers.
Likewise it is also important know the location of the servers in use. In this sense it is advisable to opt for a supplier that has multiple servers around the world so as to have a greater control on the management of the service offered.
To know more: Linux, features and distributions